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Snowy, Icy, Cold Winter Leaves Homes Vulnerable to Termites

The National Pest Management
Association advises homeowners and buyers to beware of
infestations

FAIRFAX, Va. – After one of the harshest winters experienced by
much of the United States, Americans are ready to welcome spring
with open arms. However, the trifecta of Arctic cold, snow and ice
may have left many homes battered and vulnerable to the most
destructive pest – the termite. The National Pest Management
Association (NPMA) urges homeowners to be aware of the property
threats posed by termites and
to learn how to prevent and quickly resolve infestations, a message
that is particularly timely during Termite Awareness Week, March
16-22.

“As the weather warms, termites emerge from their overwintering
spots in search of mates and new structures in which to establish
their colonies,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public
affairs for the NPMA. “Termites send out large numbers of swarmers
— often mistaken by homeowners as winged ants — in search of
these habitats and food sources. Some of the swarmers will
mate and start new colonies.”

The NPMA encourages all homebuyers to obtain a wood destroying
organism inspection separate from their home inspection and all
homeowners to have a termite inspection done every one to three
years. Those who live in more termite-prone areas should have
more regular inspections. According to a recent NPMA survey, more
than half (52 percent) of Americans have never had their homes
inspected.

While swarmers and their discarded wings are the most visible
sign of a termite problem, here are five other warning signs
homeowners should know:

Mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source) on the
exterior of the home

Soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped

Cracked or bubbling paint

Small piles of feces that resembles sawdust that may evidence a
termite nest

Rotted tree stumps or landscaping timbers in close proximity to
the home

NPMA recommends the following termite prevention tips:

Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and
dry

Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside
of the home

Direct water away from your house through properly functioning
downspouts, gutters and splash blocks

Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5
inches off the ground

Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation

The NPMA, a non-profit
organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933
to support the pest management industry's commitment to the
protection of public health, food and property. For more
information, visitPestWorld.org.

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